Licks Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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licks

[lɪks ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

taste

Licks refer to small amounts of food or liquid taken into the mouth with the tongue.

Synonyms

sip, taste, taste test.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
licks	In slang context, refers to a small portion or hint of something. He didn't get a lick of sleep last night.
taste	Often used to describe the flavor of food or drink when sampled. Can be used broadly for any experience of trying food. She wanted to taste the cake before buying it. Have you ever tasted such a delicious pie?
sip	Used when referring to a small quantity of liquid taken into the mouth, usually to enjoy or sample a drink. Common in more formal or polite settings. She took a sip of her coffee. He savored every sip of the wine.
taste test	Used in situations where food or drink is being sampled, often in a more formal or structured setting to determine quality or preference. The new restaurant held a taste test for their menu items. He participated in a taste test to choose the best new flavor.

Examples of usage

The ice cream was so delicious that I couldn't resist taking a few licks.
He gave the bowl a quick lick to savor the last remnants of the soup.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

action

To lick means to pass the tongue over something as an action, usually to taste, moisten, or clean it.

Synonyms

lap, suckle, taste.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
licks	Describes the soft or gentle action of caressing or moving over something with the tongue. Commonly used for animals or describing persistent tries in a casual conversation. The puppy's licks were gentle and affectionate. After a few licks of paint, the old fence looked brand new.
taste	Refers to the action of experiencing and identifying flavors using the tongue. It is often associated with humans and is commonly used in cooking, eating, and sampling foods. She wanted to taste the soup before adding more salt. The chocolate cake tasted absolutely delicious.
lap	Refers to the action of drinking a liquid by scooping it up with the tongue, typically used for animals. This can also describe humans participating in some context related to sports or exercises, but this is less common. The dog began to lap water from its bowl. In the final lap of the race, she sped up to win.
suckle	Used mainly in the context of young mammals being fed milk by their mother. This word is less common in everyday use and has a more specific biological connotation. The calf began to suckle from its mother almost immediately after birth. The mother cat lay down to let her kittens suckle.

Examples of usage

The dog licked my hand in a sign of affection.
She had to lick the envelope to seal it shut.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'licks'

The word 'licks' has its origins in Old English, where 'liccian' meant to lick. The word has been used for centuries to describe the action of passing the tongue over something. Over time, 'licks' has evolved to be used in various contexts, from describing the taste of food to the action of animals and humans. The versatility and simplicity of the word have made it a common part of everyday language.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,452, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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24449 paralyzing
24450 wintered
24451 deathly
24452 licks
24453 munificence
24454 reiterating
24455 firefighter
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